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Natural Beach Sunshade

The beach is a great place to have fun and enjoy the sun, but to much sun can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Here is a great way to block the sun and have some fun doing it.

Step 1: Find an Area.

First find an area clear of trees and waves/water. clear away any trash and driftwood, and any large shells.

Step 2: Dig a Hole

Dig a hole large enough for yourself or more. The picture is when the hole is covered a little bit, but the hole underneath is big enough for one person. The hole is about waist-deep and about 4 ft wide. You can make it as big and deep as you want, but be careful that you don't make it likely to cave in.

Step 3: Collect Branches

Collect palmetto or palm fronds until you have enough to cover the hole. Be sure to leave a few feet of the stalk on the frond to hold it in place. Try to only collect the fronds dead, as they are easier to pull off and it doesn't hurt the tree.

Step 4: Bury and Secure the Fronds.

Dig a hole in the sand where the frond will shade the hole. I used the end of the branch to dig a perfectly sized hole, but a shovel works fine. Put the frond in at the right angle to shade your hole, and then dump a ton of sand on the end. Repeat with the rest of the fronds, burying them all with a lot of sand.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Carve out any uncomfortable places and adjust the fronds to where they're comfortable. Sit down in the shade and enjoy.